This document, based on ACI 318-02, provides the engineer with simple, conservative rules for quickly designing low- and midrise structures. Features include:

- Mandatory language for clarity of intent,

- Code requirements that are given in the approximate order needed for design,

- Three-dimensional drawings and graphs that help explain various provisions,

- Minimum member dimensions that replace sophisticated deflection checks,

- A chapter that further explains design load conditions,

- A direct approach for resolving seismic forces by using shearwall systems, and

- A simplified analysis procedure that can be performed with a handheld calculator.

A Colombian technical committee, chaired by Luis Garcia, a member of ACI Committee 318, authored the Essential Requirements publication. It is the first document in ACI¿s International Publication Series.